Sprain Pain

Sprain Pain

A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament (a band of fibrous tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). One or more ligaments can be injured at the same time. The severity of the injury will depend on the extent of injury (whether a tear is partial or complete) and the number of ligaments involved.

Causes

&nbsp &nbsp A sprain can result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow to the body that forces a joint out of its &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp normal position and stretches or tears the ligament supporting that joint. &nbsp &nbsp Typically, sprains occur when people fall and land on an outstretched arm, slide into a baseball base, land on the &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp side of their foot, or twist a knee with the foot planted firmly on the ground.

Location

&nbsp &nbsp Most ankle sprains happen when the foot turns inward as a person runs, turns, falls, or &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp lands on the ankle after a jump. &nbsp &nbsp A blow to the knee or a fall is often the cause; sudden twisting can also result in a sprain.

&nbsp &nbsp Sprains frequently occur at the wrist, typically when people fall and land on an outstretched hand. &nbsp &nbsp A sprain to the thumb is common in skiing and other sports.

Diagnosis

&nbsp &nbsp To diagnose neuropathic pain, a doctor will conduct an interview and physical exam. &nbsp &nbsp An electromyogram (EMG) may be helpful in defining a specific anatomic level&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp when nerve compression is present. &nbsp &nbsp He or she may ask questions about how you would describe your pain, when the pain occurs, or whether anything &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp specific triggers the pain &nbsp &nbsp The doctor may also request both blood and nerve tests.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. The usual signs and symptoms include:

Warning Science

&nbsp &nbsp You have severe pain and can't put any weight on the injured joint. &nbsp &nbsp The injured area looks crooked or has lumps and bumps (other than swelling) that you do not&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp see on the uninjured joint. &nbsp &nbsp You can't move the injured joint. &nbsp &nbsp You can't walk more than four steps without significant pain. &nbsp &nbsp Your limb buckles or gives way when you try to use the joint. &nbsp &nbsp You have numbness in any part of the injured area. &nbsp &nbsp You see redness or red streaks spreading out from the injury. &nbsp &nbsp You injure an area that has been injured several times before. &nbsp &nbsp You have pain, swelling, or redness over a bony part of your foot. &nbsp &nbsp You are in doubt about the seriousness of the injury or how to care for it.

Strain

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon (fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone). Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result from a partial or complete tear.

Causes

&nbsp &nbsp A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. &nbsp &nbsp Strains can be acute or chronic. &nbsp &nbsp An acute strain is associated with a recent trauma or injury; it also can occur after improperly lifting heavy&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp objects or overstressing the muscles. &nbsp &nbsp Chronic strains are usually the result of overuse: prolonged, repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons.

Location

&nbsp &nbsp Two common sites for a strain are the back and the hamstring muscle (located in the back of the thigh). &nbsp &nbsp Contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing, and wrestling put people at risk for strains. &nbsp &nbsp Gymnastics, tennis, rowing, golf, and other sports that require extensive gripping can increase the risk of&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp hand and forearm strains. &nbsp &nbsp Elbow strains sometimes occur in people who participate in racquet sports, throwing, and contact sports.